Hey Hope 2018! As I promised, here is my second Dear Abby post. I hope that I answered your questions well! And remember, if you have any more, shoot me a direct message on Twitter at @HopeMarvin15.
What was the transition like from high school to college?
Well, I remember after high school graduation, I felt free. I finally had a summer that I did not need to worry about high school stuff. Anyways, that summer before college was busy and hectic, though. I was constantly with friends because we knew we would all split up because we chose different colleges. On top of being with friends, I was working, too. So that took up a good chunk of time. Also during that summer, I had to do some last minute things for Hope.
Back when I was a freshman, housing and class sign-up were a little different. I got my housing card in the summer and also signed up for my classes at that time (I think….it’s almost been 4 years). Anyways, being with friends, working, and doing last minute “college” things made the summer itself busy. But remember, although you may not be going to college with your best friends, it’s important to keep on open mind. I had a friend, who was already in college, and told me that piece of advice. 1) Keep an open mind and 2) It’s a new way to start clean. Keeping an open mind will make your transition so much easier. If you are stuck in your old ways, meeting new people and immersing yourself in the college culture will prove somewhat different. And college is a great way to start anew. Don’t worry about the labels you had in high school. If you carry this baggage with you to school, it might be rough at first. Just remember, college is so much better.
How on earth are you paying for Hope? I want to go so bad, and it’s my top choice, but I don’t know how I am going to pay for it!!
Great question. I asked the same question when I was in incoming freshman. Let me tell you this first, paying for Hope is possible. Don’t let that tuition number scare you. Like with any school, there’s a reason why they have their tuition established as so. Anyways, Hope offers many scholarships. Many of the popular ones include the academic scholarships and fine arts scholarships. Not to mention the great financial aid packages they tailor to you. Another thing you can do is apply for jobs throughout campus. This will definitely help. Some advice for you freshmen out there, go to your high school counselor’s office and locate any scholarship opportunities in your area. Different clubs and organizations, and schools themselves have scholarships available for you. You will definitely regret not taking advantage of that. Ultimately, what I’m trying to say is that paying for Hope is feasible. Don’t fret and take a deep breath. God will makes things work out!
From the Hope 2018 page, it seems as if everyone knows their major already. I don’t even know what to study. What should I do?
Another great question. That’s the benefit of Hope. They have many established programs that draw students, including but not limited to nursing, engineering, education, and education. For some students, they’ve known what they wanted to do since they were fetuses. But for the majority, people are unsure of what they want to do. Including myself! I had the intention of doing the pre-med track with a major in biology or chemistry. Even though I really enjoyed those classes, it just did not feel right. I am so glad that I found the nursing route. I could implement my interest in the health science with the caring aspect. With that being said, Hope is a great place, especially with those students who are undecided. Because of its root in the liberal arts, students are introduced to many disciplines of learning. There is just so much exploration in each field. And from here, students make their decisions on what they want to do. And because of the liberal arts mindset, many people change their majors, sometimes more than once! Don’t fret my friend. You will find your calling.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST!
I am a straight A student at my high school. Will college be like this?
Honest question, I like that! Let me be honest with you. Many students have the intention that they will do as well as they did in high school. That’s just not the case. Just because you got all A’s does not mean the same will happen in college. I know, I sound mean. But I also was a honor student in high school, but just the context and difficulty of college classes made me work even harder for a better grade. It is possible to get all As in college. You just have to be super committed and timely. Although doing well is always a plus, it is important to know that just because you don’t do well in a class or an assignment does not mean its the end of the world. There is a purpose for everything. My biggest advice for you, and everyone, is that you should study, read, and work hard. Getting an A is much harder in college.
There you go, folks. Keep asking questions, I would love to answer them!!